Comparing Beowulf And Today's Heroes

BEOWULF'S HEROES AND TODAY'S HEROES

Today heroes consist of superman, batman, Tom Cruises and Michael Jordans who are very different from Beowulf's time. Back then, heroes were kings and warriors who basically protected their people and country. The warriors were strong men who could physically make or prevent an attack in order to protect their country. The roles of the heroes have changed today, though people still aspire to be like them. Heroes today, just as in Beowulf's time, are made immortal by the written word. While in our day heroes do not literally fight Grendels or dragons, they figuratively fight these battles everyday. Beowulf fought Grendel for his own glory and it seems, more importantly, to make the lives
of his friends better; he alleviated suffering for the Danes and brought his own men and lord treasures and recognition. Beowulf's actions, though not entirely altruistic, succeeded in making the lives of people easier to live; therefore, they are truly heroic. He became a hero by not only killing Grendel, but also by tearing off his arm with his bare hands. To kill someone by tearing off their arm is absolutely miraculous! Who, then, are the heroes of our time?
Unlike in Beowulf, they are generally low-key doctors who work to find the panacea for the world's ills, the politicians struggling for the rights of their people, the mothers who do anything to make the lives of their children better. All heroes have significant qualities. Many have the impression that heroes are people who have done something that is "cool" or singles them out. There are countless definitions of heroes, but most people's ideas about the characteristics of a hero are fairly consistent. It is important that a hero's cause is for the "good". A hero must be courageous and intrepid, meeting obstacles without fear. They have to be willing to fight with perseverance for their cause with determination and dedication. Another especially important quality is selflessness, to do it with unselfish concern for others, not for profit. Heroes must have conviction and focus in their purpose. Many accept that the willingness to sacrifice is perhaps the most important quality of a hero, the forfeiture of something highly valued for a cause. Once these guidelines are taken into consideration, many "heroes" are excluded, such as sporting greats, politicians and war
leaders. Today many people are regarded as heroes. Some modern day heroes who have fought for a good cause, to help people or otherwise, include, famous Canadian, Terry Fox and peace activist, Mother Teresa. All are looked up to as inspiration, for their determination, dedication and sacrifice. Like Beowulf, they brought peace and comfort to the world. This relevance to the world is one of the first criteria in the epic genre. Not only are the actions of Beowulf applicable to the worldly events, the entire scope of the world is mentioned in Beowulf. Beowulf, himself, is superhuman and is of great importance in his actions and battles: he frees the Danes from Grendel and Grendel's mother, keeps peace with the surrounding countries for fifty years, and dies fighting the dragon which has been ravishing his land and its people. In ancient times it mattered that Beowulf was strong, superhuman, proud and a beast-killer. Today people want heroes who are more of a selfless "brains beat brawn type". However the basis remains somewhat the same. Beowulf and present day heroes are determined, courageous and willing to sacrifice something for good causes. It seems that those qualities have stayed. Throughout times the roles that heroes play in our lives have changed but they are still important to us. So even though the roles of the heroes have changed, their importance has not diminished.